Employer Sponsored Visa

Employer sponsored visas allow skilled workers to live and work in Australia with support from an approved Australian employer.

Employer Sponsored Visa Guide

Subclass 186 vs 482 Visa Comparison Guide

Compare Australia’s main employer sponsored visa pathways: the 482 Skills in Demand visa and the 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa. Use this Danfe checklist to understand which option may suit your employment, sponsorship and permanent residency goals.

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Quick Difference

482

Temporary employer sponsored visa Designed for skilled workers sponsored by an approved employer to fill a skilled role in Australia.

186

Permanent employer nominated visa Designed for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer for permanent residence.

482 can lead to 186 Many applicants use 482 first, then move towards 186 through the right employer pathway.

Overview

Which employer sponsored visa should you consider?

The right choice depends on your occupation, employer sponsorship status, work experience, English level, salary, skills assessment needs, age and long-term migration goal.

Subclass 482

Skills in Demand Visa

The 482 visa is generally used when an Australian employer needs to sponsor a skilled worker temporarily. It can support eligible skilled workers to live and work in Australia while filling a genuine labour need.

✓Temporary employer sponsored pathway

✓Requires an approved sponsor and nominated skilled position

✓May support a future 186 permanent residency pathway

✓Suitable where the employer needs to fill a role faster

Subclass 186

Employer Nomination Scheme

The 186 visa is a permanent residence visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. It may be suitable for applicants who are ready for a direct permanent pathway or who are transitioning from an eligible temporary sponsored visa.

✓Permanent residency employer nominated pathway

✓Requires employer nomination and applicant eligibility

✓Can be direct entry or temporary residence transition

✓Suitable for long-term settlement in Australia

Detailed Comparison

186 vs 482 Visa Comparison Table

Use this table as a practical starting point before booking a consultation with Danfe Consulting.

Comparison Area	482 Skills in Demand Visa	186 Employer Nomination Scheme Visa
Visa purpose	Temporary Allows skilled workers to work in Australia for an approved sponsor in a nominated skilled position.	Permanent Allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently.
Best suited for	Applicants who have an employer ready to sponsor them temporarily and need a work visa pathway.	Applicants who have a strong employer nomination pathway and want permanent residence.
Employer requirement	The employer generally needs to be an approved sponsor and nominate a genuine skilled role.	The employer must nominate the applicant for a permanent skilled position under the relevant stream.
PR outcome	Not permanent residence by itself, but it can become a pathway towards 186 if eligibility is met.	Direct permanent residence outcome if the nomination and visa application are successful.
Common streams	Core Skills stream, Specialist Skills stream where applicable, and Labour Agreement stream.	Direct Entry stream, Temporary Residence Transition stream, and Labour Agreement stream.
Occupation	Occupation must be eligible for the relevant 482 stream and nomination requirements.	Occupation must be eligible for the relevant 186 stream and nomination requirements.
Skills and experience	Applicant must have the right skills and experience for the nominated role.	Applicant must meet the skills, experience and stream-specific requirements for permanent nomination.
English	English requirement applies unless an exemption is available.	English requirement generally applies depending on stream and exemptions.
Salary and market rate	Employer must usually meet salary and market salary requirements for the nominated position.	Employer must also meet relevant nomination and salary requirements.
Family members	Eligible family members may be included, subject to visa rules.	Eligible family members may be included, subject to visa rules.
Strategic use	Useful when you want to start with employer sponsorship and build a PR pathway later.	Useful when you are ready for employer nominated permanent residence now.

Important: Employer sponsored visa rules can change, and eligibility depends on your exact occupation, employer, salary, work history, English evidence, skills assessment and visa history. This guide is general information only and should not be treated as migration advice.

Checklist Tool

Employer Sponsored Visa Readiness Checklist

Use this checklist to quickly identify whether you are closer to a 482 temporary sponsorship pathway or a 186 permanent nomination pathway.

482 Visa Readiness

You have an Australian employer willing to sponsor you The employer must be prepared to sponsor and nominate the role.

Your role matches an eligible skilled occupation The nominated role should align with the relevant occupation and visa stream.

You have relevant skills and work experience Your employment history should support the nominated occupation.

You can meet English and health/character requirements Evidence may be required unless an exemption applies.

Your employer can meet salary and compliance requirements Salary, market rate and business compliance are important parts of the nomination.

186 Visa Readiness

You have an employer ready to nominate you permanently The employer must support a permanent position and nomination.

You meet the relevant 186 stream requirement This may be Direct Entry, Temporary Residence Transition, or Labour Agreement stream.

You can demonstrate suitable skills and experience Skills assessment and employment evidence may be required depending on the stream.

You can meet age, English, health and character requirements Age limits and exemptions should be reviewed carefully before applying.

Your employer can support a genuine permanent role The role, business need, salary and nomination evidence must be carefully prepared.

Process

How Danfe Helps With 186 and 482 Visas

Danfe can support applicants and employers with a structured process from initial assessment to application preparation.

Profile Review

We review your occupation, visa history, work experience, English, employer details and long-term migration goal.

Pathway Mapping

We compare whether 482, 186 Direct Entry, 186 TRT, or another employer sponsored pathway may be more suitable.

Document Strategy

We guide applicants and employers on documents, role evidence, salary evidence, employment history and supporting records.

Application Support

We assist with preparing a stronger, cleaner and more organised employer sponsored visa application file.

Decision Guide

Which pathway may fit your situation?

This section helps you position the applicant before a consultation.

Choose 482 if...

You have an employer willing to sponsor you, but you are not yet ready for permanent employer nomination or need a temporary work pathway first.

Choose 186 if...

You have a strong employer nomination pathway and you want permanent residence through Direct Entry, TRT or Labour Agreement stream.

Get advice if...

Your occupation, salary, age, skills assessment, work experience or employer readiness is unclear. This is where professional review is important.

Need help choosing between 186 and 482?

Book an appointment with Danfe Consulting to review your employer sponsored visa options, documentation strategy and permanent residency pathway.

Book an Appointment

Frequently Asked Questions

Education, Visa & Migration FAQs i Disclaimer: This FAQ provides general information only and does not constitute migration advice. Information may change and may not reflect the latest updates. Please consult a Registered Migration Agent or refer to the Department of Home Affairs before making any decision.

Answers to common questions about studying in Australia, student visas, skilled migration, employer sponsored visas, PR pathways and Danfe Consulting’s support.

What services does Danfe Consulting Education and Migration Mel offer?

Danfe provides education counselling, student recruitment support, student visa assistance, migration consultation, PR pathway guidance, OSHC and OVHC support, skills assessment assistance, and EOI/ROI guidance.

Why is Danfe Consulting considered a trusted migration agency in Melbourne?

Danfe is led by a Registered Migration Agent and supports students, graduates, skilled workers and migrants with personalised guidance based on their visa history, qualifications, skills, English level and migration goals.

How can Danfe Consulting help international students in Australia?

Danfe assists with course selection, admissions, scholarship guidance, student visa applications, visa extensions, college or course changes, COE support and PR pathway planning.

Do I need a Registered Migration Agent to apply for a visa?

It is not compulsory, but a Registered Migration Agent can help ensure your application is valid, properly prepared, compliant with visa requirements and supported by suitable documentation.

Is Danfe Consulting registered with OMARA?

Danfe’s migration services are handled by a migration agent registered with OMARA. Clients should always confirm registration before receiving migration advice.

What are the requirements for a student visa in Australia?

Common requirements may include a valid COE, OSHC, English test evidence if required, financial documents, genuine access to funds, Genuine Student documents and other supporting evidence depending on your circumstances.

How do I change my course or education provider?

Danfe reviews your visa conditions, current course level, principal course status, completed study period and whether a release letter is required before guiding you through the next enrolment steps.

How can Danfe assist with the PR points test?

Danfe helps calculate points, review EOI/ROI details, reduce overclaiming risks and identify possible gaps that may affect skilled migration options.

What is a skills assessment?

A skills assessment is an evaluation by an Australian assessing authority to confirm whether your qualifications and experience match your nominated occupation.

Which occupations are commonly in demand?

Demand can change frequently. Common areas include construction trades, health, allied health, teaching, engineering, IT and selected hospitality occupations for regional pathways.

How do I apply for a 190 visa?

Danfe can guide you through occupation selection, skills assessment review, EOI/ROI preparation, state nomination requirements and visa application steps depending on your eligibility.

Can I apply for a 491 visa while living in a metropolitan area?

Requirements differ between states and may change. Some states may have location-based criteria or exemptions, so it is best to check current state guidelines or speak with a Registered Migration Agent.

Who pays the SAF levy for a 482 sponsorship?

The Skilling Australia Fund levy must be paid by the employer by law and should not be recovered from the visa applicant.

What is the easiest way to get PR in Australia?

There is no guaranteed PR pathway. Common options include skilled visas, employer sponsored visas, partner visas and other family pathways depending on personal circumstances.

Can I apply for PR after two years of study?

Completing two years of study does not automatically make you eligible for PR. You must meet the requirements of a relevant visa, including English, skills, occupation, employment, health and character criteria.

Does Danfe help with state nomination applications?

Yes. Danfe assists with eligibility review, document preparation, EOI/ROI support and state nomination processes where applicable.

Need personalised education or migration guidance?

Book an appointment with Danfe Consulting Education and Migration Mel.

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